Production vs Single Stack

I'm going to be starting USPSA in a couple of weeks. I'll be shooting a Glock 17L which puts me in the unfortunate position of shooting limited with a minor power factor.

I want to get out of limited eventually because

1. I don't want to drop the coin on an STI/SVI etc.
2. I don't want to reload .40 S&W.

So, I'm going to either switch to production or single stack.

With production, I could get a G34 and shoot the same loads I've been shooting in my G17L. Same magazines, too.

In single stack, I've loaded a ton of .45ACP in the past so I'm used to it. The downside is that a quality 1911 and mags are more expensive than a G34 and mags.

For any of you who have shot production and single stack, what did you like/dislike about each?

Don't fight it.

All you'll be doing is prolonging the inevitable. Sooner or later you're going to drop the coin on a full blown Limited gun, rig etc and it will naturally have to be in a major power factor round, although not 45 ACP.

That being said, I think single stack makes you a better shooter. Plus, you'll transition form tinkering with a 1911 to tinkering with a 2011 so much easier.

Honestly, I really don't think so. I feel that I'll be completely content in production or single stack. The whole full blown race gun thing doesn't really appeal to me. The only reason I'm starting in limited is because by gun doesn't fit in the production box due to the 6" barrel.

If you pick the G34 you can shoot cheaper 9mm rounds in Producion/SSP/Limited minor/Limtied 10 Minor. If you go with Single Stack in .45 you can shoot SS/CDP/Limited 10. You could buy a STI spartan for about 600$ or so I think, get some Tripp Research mags, belt, holster, pouches and your set.

Unless you shoot some hotttttt 9mms in limited, youll still be in Minor Class. Plus, production is ALL Minor. It levels the playing field for shooters new to the sport. I went from Production to SS and went from a U to C class almost immediately. (Better gun, bigger holes, higher PF)

The SSP / CDP categories mentioned above are IDPA categories, not USPSA.

There is no 9mm major in limited, only in open. Minimum .40 for major in L and L-10.

i think youre right. i need to read the rulebook again.

Which is best for you depends on your pocketbook and your ability. If you are on a budget (ammo and gun costs) and can hit what you shoot at (shoot all As), Production makes the most sense. If you are a big 1911 fan and really need to shoot Major to keep your gun score acceptable, then SS may be better for you. Production division is much more popular than SS - that should tell you a lot. In your position, I'd get the Glock and shoot Production.

I like Production. Since everyone is scored minor, it makes accuracy more of a premium. Plus 9mm bullets are cheaper than .45's, which means I can practice more for my money.

I have been debating a similar move myself. I have been shooting L-10 with my CZ97B for a couple years. I thought about moving to Limited with my CZ75B. But, all my gear is 'production' stuff, just my normal carry stuff. So, no advantage to go to limited, in fact it would probably hurt me. (Granted, I'm barely a C-Class shooter anyway)

So, I thought about moving to Production with the 75. But, it seems like a waste to have to load the 16 round mags to 10 rounds. (Although, my biggest weakness is reload speeds, so I'd get more practice in production). But, what's really stopping me from going to production is having to put the hammer down on a live round! I really don't like to do that, ever. Granted, you glockers don't have to worry about that. So....now that I've typed all this out, I guess my answer is pretty clear: Stay in L10 with the .45 97B.

I have a SA GI Hi-Cap that I want to build into a Limited/Open gun. But, honestly if I were to go that route, I'd want to go with a 2011 in .40, go all out. but I don't have that sort of cash right now. I've half thought about trading the GI in on a nice SS 1911 and shoot SS. So many choices. It's almost more fun daydreaming about all the choices and gun build ideas than actually shooting the matches!

I shoot a CZ Shadow in Production and have lowered the hammer thousands of time without a problem. I use the pinch method that is in the manual, always pay attention when I do it and don't get careless. Just practice a lot while dry firing with an empty gun to get comfortable with it.

One thing no matter if you shoot Production Single stack or L-10 you WILL get better at reloading.

For me reloads sucked shooting boyth production and SS. If your feet are moving your reloading.

of those listed I would sugest Production. Less Cost to shoot.

There is another option, get a ported barrel and a Jpoint sight and run in open with the 17L...

I would say run single stack with a Taurus 1911 and CMC magazines...

I spoke with the guys from SJC and they said emphatically that the 17L slide is not strong enough to handle 9mm major PF ammo.

I would start with Production class if you are just starting to get into USPSA, and also the desire to go further in this sport. Why, because of the minor power factor, and because the A zone is the same in minor as with major power factor. With this you will train yourself to take your time letting your sights direct your speed to move on. You also have to 10 round magazines, so you also train yourself in making smooth and quick mag. Changes, which will also follow you to the next level if you choose in a Limited or Open gun. Also with only 10 rds. Mags. You will look at the stages, during walk through an formulate a plan of attack on how best to run the stage, with your gun and your knowledge of where you are in your shooting ability. Plus you don’t have to reload you can buy 9mm if you can find them. And I would also say have fun it is a sport, it is not tactical training. USPSA is though; Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas. I hope this help in some way, and watch your 6.

Dump the bottom feeders and man-up and get a round gun, shoot revolver!

It didn't to me either, initially.

But now I mostly shoot Limited.


I still bring out the 1911 every so often, but have put off plans for a dedicated SS build. I didn't shoot much Production at all for the latter half of 2009 - though that will be changing with an upcoming purchase of a Shadow Custom.

What got me to finally break down and buy a Ltd gun was actually shooting one local match Limited Minor. I had picked up some 19-rd mags for my standard CZ75B and gave it a go. Being able to just run the course without planning mutliple reloads was fun.

Open, though, still doesn't particularly appeal to me. I will buy an open blaster, however, if CZ ends up offering their "new" 9major Open gun here in the States (Currently, it is just a CZ-UB - that is, Czech - custom shop project. No word yet on if it will reach any kind of production status or if the US custom shop will offer the same setup).

I'll be shooting limited minor at my first match next weekend so that experience may change my mind as well. We'll see.

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